Jan 2, 2023 | Roof Replacement, Roofing Colors, Roofing Contractor
A new roof offers a chance to change the overall look of your home while adding protection. There is a wide variety of colors and styles to choose from, which can be exciting. However, replacing your roof is a major purchase and your decision is one you will have to live with for many years. It is important too that your choice blends with the rest of the house and your natural surroundings and accomplishes your desired goals.
How to Choose the Right Roof Color
- Dark vs. Light Colored Roofs
Homes with darker materials will retain more heat. Lighter colored roofs will reflect the sun’s rays more efficiently, keeping the home cooler in the summer. Lighter roof colors will also give the home an overall brighter look. Darker colors will give your home a more dramatic look. Consider both your taste and your climate as you choose your color.
One of our roofing experts would be happy to help you select the perfect color and style that is aesthetically pleasing and fits your taste.
- Match your exterior features.
Consider the color of the exterior of your home and think about how they will blend with your chosen roof color. This includes the siding or stucco color, shutters, gazebo, flower boxes, etc. They all should work together. Evaluate how much of your new roof will be visible from your backyard. If you are an outdoors type of family, spending time in your pool or on the patio, grilling in the summer, then consider your roof an element of your exterior decoration. How will those shingle colors blend with your current landscape?
Color coordinate your roof with colors found elsewhere in the bricks, siding, stone, stucco, or trim on your home. As an example, a darker colored roof can look good with a gray or blue house, while a brown, cream or tan colored house can look better with brown shingles or a mix of cream and brown. Green, red, yellow, or other color homes have more flexibility and can be accented by brown, gray, or black roof colors.
- Consider your architectural style.
Consider the style of your home when choosing a roof color. Is your home Spanish, Mediterranean, Colonial, Cape Cod, Country French, Victorian, Tudor, or Contemporary? Many Spanish or Mediterranean style homes look great with tile roofing. A more traditional Colonial or Cape Cod style home with a shingle roof will look best with either an earth tone or grey depending on the color of the home.
- Neighborhood Considerations.
If you live in a subdivision with a homeowner’s association, you may be restricted by rules and by-laws governing your association. Check the homeowner association’s guidelines before choosing a color. In addition, if you live in a neighborhood (even if there are no restrictions) it is advisable to consider your color choice in context with your nearest neighbor’s roof. You would not want it to match exactly or worse, clash with your neighbor’s roof color.
The experts at Harlan Quality Roofing can help you decide which color and style roof will fit your tastes after considering all these factors. Ultimately, we want you to be happy with your decision for many years to come. Contact us to learn more or if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you.
Dec 28, 2022 | Cool roof, Roof Replacement, Roofing Company
A cool roof is specifically designed to reflect more sunlight than traditional rooftops. It can be a great energy saver and will certainly add to the comfort of your home. By offering temperature stability, a cool roof reduces overall energy usage, which in turn, offers you an eco-friendly way of maintaining comfortable temperature inside your home.
Homes in warmer climates like Sacramento benefit most from this innovation since cool roofs provide protection from solar heat gain. Just think about how we dress in the winter vs. the summer. We prefer lighter colors in the warm weather and tend to wear darker colors in the winter months. In the summer, we choose those lighter colors due to their reflective properties against the heat.
Cool roofs operate in much the same way. A typical cool roof is composed of special reflective pigments that reflect the sunlight. CertainTeed offers residential cool roof products such as Landmark Solaris® and Presidential Solaris® that achieve EnergyStar® levels of solar reflectivity even with rich, dark colors.
In the Sacramento area, we definitely see our share of very warm summer days. Because our homes see warm, sunny days throughout much of the spring and fall, and all of the summer months, a cool roof could benefit you and your family. Here are some of the top benefits of a cool roof:
- Improves indoor comfort. A cool roof offers temperature stability across your entire residential structure, including your garage, covered patio, or a bonus room where you may not normally heat or cool that space.
- Reduces energy bills. A cool roof will not absorb as much heat as a traditional roof, requiring much less energy to keep your home cool. This can be a significant savings, especially if your HVAC is not the most efficient or is getting on in years.
- Avoids high demand during peak energy rates. Since your cool roof is reflecting the sun’s heat, you are using less energy to air condition your home. Using less energy during peak rates will lower your overall bill even more dramatically.
- Ecologically conscious. If you are like many who see eco-conscious improvements to your home, a cool roof is an excellent way to improve efficiency. With a third of all carbon emissions originating from the use of electricity, your cool roof will boost our collective efforts to reduce electrical demands and offer long term benefits to the environment.
- Longer Roof Life Span. When a traditional roof absorbs heat, over time it will stress the materials and shorten the roof’s lifespan. In general, the life expectancy of the roof is proportional to the quality of materials it is built with. A cool roof takes that concept to the next level.
Cool Roof Installation
Harlan Roofing provides Cool Roofing services and Energy Star rated cool roof products eligible for federal tax credits. Call us today to learn more!
Dec 6, 2022 | Roof Repair
While a roof does last for a long time, no roof will last forever, regardless of how well it is cared for. Over time, the wind, rain, sun, and other elements will wear away at your home’s primary protection, causing brittle, broken, and damaged shingles.
Periodic roof inspections are a great way to find any issues with your roof before they become disasters. You can take some time to walk around your home and inspect the roof from the ground. It is good practice to invite a professional to inspect your roof as they will be more thorough and know just what to look for.
When you see any parts of your roof that look broken, buckled, curling, or worse, it is time to call a professional roofing company that can repair it before more damage occurs. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common fixes that roofing companies can do during roof repairs.
Replace Missing or Broken Shingles
Stormy weather can be harsh and damaging to your roof. During strong winds, shingles may get blown off or snap in half if they are getting brittle. Branches and other debris from trees can land on the roof causing just enough damage to be of concern. Those missing or broken shingles leave your roof vulnerable, especially when the next winter storm hits.
When that happens, it is not necessary to replace your roof, just the missing or broken shingles. You might ask, “Can the roofer match the shingles exactly, so you don’t have some weird looking patch on your roof?”, especially if it is visible from the road. Quality roofing contractors typically work with several roofing manufacturers and have a complete suite of roofing shingle grades and colors at their disposal. They can usually find similar or even identical shingles, especially with respect to shape and color.
While it is important to note, new shingles will not always match exactly at repaired areas in color and texture due to sun exposure and weathering of the existing shingles, they will do their best to make sure you cannot tell that a shingle or group of shingles has been replaced. Your roof will look refreshed and restored.
Repair Curled or Chipped Shingles
When shingles get older, their corners tend to curl. Sometimes those corners will break off, especially during a heavy rainstorm or under impact of a tree branch. If ignored, these damaged shingles can lead to leaks. Curled shingle may, over time, loosen and fall off. It is best not to wait for that to happen. A professional contractor can identify those shingles that are damaged and let you know if the situation is pervasive enough that a replacement is a better choice.
Holes in Your Roof
This sounds scary but even the best roofs are subject to damage and may end up with a hole or holes visible when the sun is shining again. Roofs are very durable and should be able to withstand impressive amounts of assault. However, mother nature can be cruel, and your roof sits on top of your house to take the first line of defense. A hole can typically be easily fixed by replacing the shingles, but it is best to have a professional look at the damage and make an assessment. Sometimes, the hole can reach the roof’s felt underlayment, in which case more extensive repair is needed.
Damaged Flashing
Seasonal temperature fluctuations common in the Sacramento area can cause roof flashing to warp. Flashing can also bend as the home settles, and it can rust with age. Old flashing experiencing any of these issues is likely to fail the materials it is designed to protect. Another great reason to have regular inspections by a professional roofing contractor.
In Summary
While your roof is not always in the forefront of your thoughts, it is constantly working to protect you, your family, and the contents of your home. In severe weather, it is working extra hard at that protection. To that end, it is important to understand that your roof is vulnerable to sun, wind, and rain damage, especially during our California winter season. If you believe your roof has sustained damage, it is important that you call a local roofing contractor and get scheduled for a roofing repair as soon as possible. Remember, if a storm has given your roof a beating, it is likely that others have had the same. Reach out for an estimate before water damage makes the repairs even more costly.
To find out more about our roofing services, or to set up a consultation, contact us today.
Dec 2, 2022 | Roof Repair
Your roof is the first line of defense for your home. It protects your property from damage such as high winds, rain, and even local wildlife like squirrels and birds. In addition to the usual weather factors, your roof also protects your home from the sun. Just like any other environmental damage, the sun also causes potential to damage your roof. In the greater Sacramento area, with its high temps and sunny days, chances are your roof may take on even more damage than usual.
Is Sun Damage Actually Harmful?
The sun is a powerful force of nature that offers a wide range of benefits but can also be harmful. Overexposure to the sun can cause the materials in your roof to break down and eventually fall apart, making it one of the top causes of roof damage in Sacramento! This will leave your roof and home open to the elements and can even allow wildlife to take up residence in parts of your home.
UV damage caused by the sun can change the chemical makeup of the materials used on your roof. As a result, the roof may start to deteriorate earlier than expected which can cause a loss in overall property value. Sun damage can also cause your roof to experience thermal shock which is when the material expands during high heat and quickly shrinks once cooled. This can shorten the lifespan and effectiveness of your roof. A poorly functioning roof will not only leave your home open to the elements but can also drive up the cost of heating and cooling your home.
The residential roofing experts at Harlan Quality Roofing have put together a list of common signs that indicate your roof is suffering from sun damage.
Signs Your Roof Has Sun Damage
- Ultraviolet Exposure Causing Color Change
One of the biggest signs that the sun has damaged your roof is when the color of the surface has changed to a lighter color. The UV light from the sun can effectively bleach the color of any surfaces overly exposed. If you noticed that your shingles have become much lighter than their initial color, sun damage is probably to blame.
- Peeling and Cracking on Roof Surface
If you notice peeling and cracking on your roof surface, it is most likely that the sun has caused coating damage to the top layer. This can lead to leaks in your roof that can have a negative effect on your insulation and even your foundation. If you notice leaks, strange mold, increased energy bills, or even a new vermin infestation, sun damage to your roof may be to blame.
- Curling Shingles
Like anything exposed to the elements, your roof will break down over time. If parts of your roof or even bits of shingles start crumbling, it’s a sign that sun damage has weakened the overall composition of your roof. Warped shingles are another sign of a damaged roof. This can be due to water damage, or sun damage. When shingles have curled edges, it is a sign that the damage has been caused by too much sun exposure.
Protecting Your Roof from the Sun
While there is no way to eliminate sun damage to your roof, there are some things you can do to reduce its effects. To start, it is a good idea to use high-quality roofing materials that have specialized UV protection. Lighter-colored roofing materials are better equipped to repel sun damage. Also, those that have reflective granules can also help deflect sun rays.
Give Your Roof the Attention it Deserves
When you need professional roofing services, never settle for less than the best. Harlan Quality Roofing offers a wide range of roofing services at competitive prices. We have been in business for nearly two decades and specialize in Cool Roof Composition Shingle installation and repair. We pride ourselves in our quality workmanship and a long list of happy clients.
To find out more about our roofing services, or to set up a consultation, contact us today.
Oct 26, 2022 | Roof inspection
When was your last roof inspection? Either by you or by a professional?
Don’t be caught off guard. Many people neglect their roofs until it is too late for maintenance. Now the problem can no longer be ignored.
Your roof is the umbrella of safety for your home and its contents. The structure, your furniture, your photos, and much more can be victims of water damage, and can possibly irreplaceable.
Residential roofing materials are designed to be durable and withstand the sun, wind, and other natural elements. But they too will breakdown after years of exposure. Moss and algae growth can accelerate that breakdown.
The older your roof gets, the more frequently you should inspect it. Visually inspect the roof yourself from a safe vantage point when possible. Your local roofing company can offer you recommendations for inspection and maintenance. Knowing these tasks are on your calendar can provide peace of mind. In addition, having a relationship with a local roofing company can come in handy in the event of storm damage.
Whether you have a professional inspection or inspect your roof yourself (or some combination of both), here are some common roof problems to look for.
- Roof Leaks
Sounds obvious but roof leaks are the single most common roofing problems and sometimes they are not visible at first, creating more damage before detection. Leaks can be a result of many roof issues, such as damaged or missing shingles, flashing issues, and more.
Check your attic for water stains or mold. Bring a flashlight to shine into the corners and along the roof line. The leak may be several feet from where it has appeared in your living space.
Leaks are common near the chimney and around skylights and vents as they are flashing points. Check around gutters and look for damage or debris there.
A visual inspection of your roof is an excellent idea. On a quarterly basis and after a storm. Call a professional if this is not something you are comfortable doing.
- Damaged Flashing
Flashing is a material often made of sheet metal and used to protect the roof from leaking at junctures with fixtures such as skylights, vents, and chimneys. If your flashing is damaged or missing, the fixture become vulnerable to water.
A thorough roof inspection includes an examination of the flashing, and your roofer will advise you of any damaged flashing that should be replaced.
- Missing or Broken Shingles
Depending on the age of your roof, you may start to see some signs of age including damaged or missing shingles. As the sealant ages the shingles may loosen and break off completely. These should be replaced promptly and should indicate that the professional inspection is in order. The missing shingle could be a one-off, but if other shingles are loose, you want to know about it.
- Roofing Granules in Your Gutters and Downspouts
A new roof may shed a few granules in the weeks/months after installation. However, if your roof is getting on in age and you see granules in your downspout, this may be a sign that your shingles are losing their integrity and may need to be replaced.
Granules are built into the shingle to protect the roof from UV rays, and once they fall off, the shingles are vulnerable and start to crack.
- Mold and mildew
When roof angles and gutters collect debris, the roof holds water. The moisture remains on the roof where normally it runs away and dries.
This can form mold or mildew, leading to roof damage.
Finding a way to keep the debris off your roof or a means to regularly clear it away is important to the life of your roof. The roof is designed to have water run off it. Pooled moisture will harm the roof and cause long-term issues.
- Tree Damage
One of the most common roof problems homeowners face is damage from falling branches and trees, especially during the rainy season. The best defense is to keep the trees trimmed away from the home. Sometimes this is not always possible especially when the fateful limb came from the neighbor’s tree.
- Damaged Roofing Materials
Nature is a major contributing factor to the deterioration of your roof, and your best plan includes regular inspection and maintenance. Catching the issue early will potentially save you money and prevent loss.
Make a Plan for Your Roofing Inspection
We have looked at some of the most common roofing problems and how a little attention and maintenance can avoid larger problems.
Contact us today for roof inspections, repairs, & more!
Have you had a roof maintenance check lately? Let’s work together to be sure your roof is thoroughly inspected and well-maintained. Contact Harlan Quality Roofing online today or call (916) 292-9548 for roof repairs or replacement.